Posts by hjaffry
Positive Impacts at GiGi’s!
All of our purposeful programs at GiGi’s Playhouse have impacts on participants, families, and volunteers that we can’t even imagine! Jay is one of our incredible young participants and his mom shared the impact that GiGi’s has had: The moment you walk into GiGi’s Playhouse, you can feel the love and kindness that permeates the room. GiGi’s is a place where friendships are made, and a lifetime of…
Read MoreEvery Volunteer has a Story!
The many purposeful FREE programs at GiGi’s Playhouse provide foundational learning opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome, families, and volunteers. In today’s GiGi’s blog, we’d like to tell the story of Nancy Bachmann, a longtime volunteer in GiGi University, as well as showcase the interviewing skills of Brian! Nancy has been with us for a few years and has lots of great insights to share, but we’ll let…
Read MoreThese Volunteers Saved the Gala Day!
This past weekend, GiGi’s Playhouse had our 14th annual Chicagoland Gala! It was a beautiful and exciting evening with some legendary fundraising, and there were SO many people that helped make it happen. For our March volunteer spotlight, we wanted to highlight a few volunteers behind the scenes that really made the event run smoothly.…
Read MoreMarch Happenings!
Come join us for some fun this month at the Hoffman Playhouse! Click on the program title for more information and to RSVP! Events! Volunteer Orientation: Tuesday, March 10 from 6-7 pm Parent U Webinar: Thursday, March 19 from 7-8 pm March Birthday Dance: Friday, March 20 from 7-10 pm World Down Syndrome Day: Saturday,…
Read MoreViolet Always Brings her Best of All!
No only does GiGi’s Playhouse have free programs, speech therapy, and tutoring, but we always try to help our participants do their best and discover their true potential. We have numerous stories about participants showing their #bestofall, and this week, we are putting the spotlight on Violet! In just about a year of attending programs, particularly…
Read MoreOur Lovely Ladies in LMNOP!
One of our favorite FREE purposeful programs at GiGi’s is LMNOP, which stands for language, music, ‘n our peeps!! LMNOP is an interactive and engaging program designed to guide parents and young children (ages 0-3) through learning basic sign language and other forms of communication while using music and language-based activities. Moreover, it is a…
Read MoreMr. Brian Makes Reading Fun!
The amazing FREE programs at GiGi’s Playhouse offer foundational learning opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community. In today’s #gigisblog, we are highlighting a special tutor, Brian, who help us make the one-on-one tutoring program what it is today! Brian starting volunteering with us about four years ago doing data entry…
Read MoreMatthew is Making the Rounds!
Hugs and Mugs has been very happy to welcome back Matthew! At 60, he is our oldest intern and has lots of stories to share. He is here from Providence, Rhode Island on his circuit tour around the country to visit all his siblings. He stays with each sibling for a few weeks and gets…
Read MoreVolunteer of the Month: Beth!
A true volunteer’s efforts are incredible and worth so much, but who better to find out more about our volunteer of the month than our GiGi Professional intern, Kiera? She sat down with Beth to interview her and find out more of her story. Here’s how it went… Kiera: What brought you to GiGi’s? Beth:…
Read MoreFebruary Happenings!
Come join us for some fun this month at the Hoffman Playhouse! Click on the program title for more information and to RSVP! Events! Adult Paint Party: Thursday, February 6 from 5-7 pm Volunteer Orientation: Tuesday, February 11 from 6-7 pm Parent U Webinar: Thursday, February 13 from 7-8 pm DJ Club Birthday Dance: Friday,…
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